War & Peace (2016) 2 x DVD9 The complete miniseries

In a new adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s timeless novel, three young people experience life, love and loss against the epic backdrop of Russia’s wars with Napoleon.

Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace is truly one of history’s greatest novels. The dauntingly long piece of Russian literature covers an amazing range of themes. Love, politics, honor, Russian society, war, friendship, family, and other themes are set against the backdrop of the French invasion of Russia in 1805. Screenwriter Andrew Davies and director Tom Harper have done an admirable job adapting the literary classic in this sparkling mini-series produced by BBC Wales and The Weinstein Company.

Episode One: 1805. As Russia declares war upon Napoleon Bonaparte's French army, the lives of three young people are about to change forever. Pierre Bezukhov (Paul Dano) is a lost soul, out of place in St. Petersburg society as the illegitimate son of a wealthy count who is now close to death. His dearest friend, Andrei Bolkonsky (James Norton), is a brilliant man, but equally unhappy and eager for the challenge of war. Meanwhile, in Moscow, spirited teenager Natasha Rostova (Lily James) is desperate to experience life and love.

Episode Two: Andrei and Nikolai (Jack Lowden) have survived their first encounter with the French, but a terrible new battle looms as the Russian commanders risk stepping into Napoleon's trap. At home in St. Petersburg, Pierre wants to put his vast inheritance to good use, but Vassily (Stephen Rea) and Helene (Tuppence Middleton) are laying a trap of their own for him. Meanwhile, Natasha and Sonya (Aisling Loftus) are desperate for news from the front line.

Episode Three: Pierre fights a duel that sends his life in a surprising new direction. Still reeling from news of Andrei's reported death, another challenge faces Marya (Jessie Buckley) when her sister-in-law Lise (Kate Phillips) goes into labor. Meanwhile, at the Rostov house in Moscow, Natasha and Sonya receive unexpected marriage proposals and Nikolai makes a mistake with disastrous consequences for his family.

Episode Four: After the shock of recent events, Andrei shuts himself away in the countryside until a visit from Pierre and a chance encounter with a stranger make him wonder if his life could still change for the better. Natasha is excited at the prospect of her first grand ball, but worries that no one will invite her to dance. Still unable to find happiness, Pierre tries to build bridges with Helene.

Episode Five: After months of waiting, Natasha is frustrated to learn that her wedding to Andrei may be delayed still further. She tries to make a good impression on her new father and sister-in-law, but instead finds herself facing a new temptation in Moscow.

Episode Six: Napoleon invades Russia and preparations begin for another great battle against him. As the French army marches east, Marya is terrified to find her family in danger. Andrei cannot forgive Natasha, and vows to take revenge on his rival. Meanwhile Natasha falls ill and Pierre tries to take care of her, before making a decision that will change his life forever.

Episode Seven: At the battle of Borodino, Pierre and Andre fight on the front line of Russia's greatest struggle against Napoleon. As even Moscow comes under threat from the French army, Natasha and the Rostovs realize they must hurry back to pack up the family home and flee the city.

Episode Eight: Pierre is held prisoner by the French and faces new ordeals as the relentless Russian winter sets in. In the shadow of tragedy, Natasha struggles to see a way forward, while Helene grapples with an awkward dilemma of her own. As the war rages between the Russians and the French, will our Russian heroes ever find peace again?

Extras:

From Page to Screen (4:44): Writer Andrew Davies discusses key parts of the writing process, including stage directions. He also reads from the script, blended with behind-the-scenes and from-film footage. Director Tom Harper also discusses staging the production.

The Read Through (2:25): Cast and crew discuss the importance, benefits, and camaraderie of the script read-through.

Making the Music ( 2:25): A quick discussion on music -- its importance to the show and the process of making it -- with Michael Garvey, Director of Music/BBC National Orchestra of Wales; Martin Phipps, Composer; and Andrew Skeet, Orchestrator & Conductor.